What Is Autumn?

Duck Pond

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco, California

Nikon  

"What is autumn?

 Here is a very simple definition: Autumn is a queen,

 Queen Of Beauty beauty"

~Mehmet Murat ildan

I photographed that leaf last October, in Golden Gate Park, but decided to wait until now to post it because I knew as we inched along, toward the last few days of Autumn, I'd have some difficulty in getting new photography done. December is always a challenge for me, because of the sudden onslaught of cold weather. Its quite rainy now as well, which is nice, but my body hasn't isn't used to the changes yet. It's okay, I will get there, in the mean time I still have plenty of leaves left to photograph. Fortunately, they aren't underwater! It was a completely different situation the day I took that photo above. It was hot, and didn't have a single cloud in its azure blue sky. The whole day was as perfect an autumn day as it gets! It tasted like Apple juice and pumpkin pie. It had too many smiles in it to count! It was Family Day, so it was about love and happiness! It makes me feel warm thinking about the fun Alan and I had! It's going to be a crazy year coming up, but I know that what will get me through is looking forward to next October, and beautiful autumn!

 #79 Leaf Of The Day

December 10th 2019

Nevada City, California

Nikon

~Mood: Happy
~Me  :) 

Autumn Reflections In Golden Gate Park

"Looking up, I observed one solitary leaf that remained

 on a spindly branch of an old oak tree. And as winter's frigid winds

 blew against it twisting it this way and that,

 I thought that it was either committed to holding on as long as it could or it was afraid to let go."

~Craig D. Lounsbrough

 It was a beautiful day at the duck pond, in Golden Gate Park, on October 23rd, and the leaves were falling almost constantly. They reminded me of a sky full of stars, but they also reminded me of soggy cereal. Mostly they were just so damn beautiful they made me smile! I really miss Golden Gate Park, we spent a lot of time there when we were in the Bay Area, and I don't think I realized how much it had really meant to me. I don't get to see it as often as I would like to, which makes it all the more special when I do visit I suppose. Lesson learned... never take the places you love for granted, life is very uncertain. I took these photos on Family Day, which means I got to make another wonderful memory, in a place I love, with the guy I love, and that's the best of all worlds.

#76 Leaf Of The Day

December 6th 2019

Grass Valley, California

Nikon

~Mood: Happy

~Me   :)

Art About Town: San Francisco... La Rose Des Vents, By Jean-Michel Othoniel

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home."

~Twyla Tharp

We finally got back to Golden Gate Park a couple days ago. Since moving to Stockton, we haven't visited San Francisco with nearly the same frequency we did when we lived in the East Bay, and I have missed it so much that it's like a piece of me is missing! But the other day we made a whole day of it, crossing the San Mateo Bridge and driving up the coast!

We went to specifically see the Dahlia Garden, which sits next to the Conservatory of Flowers, and they didn't disappoint, they were gorgeous, and I will devote a whole post about them soon, but in addition to those lovely flowers, I found that there was a new addition of public art to brighten the park! It was so pleasant to see it there, and it's a gorgeous bright yellow color that can't help but make one smile, especially on a dark, rainy San Francisco day! It is a kinetic sculpture, by artist, Jean-Michel Othoniel. 

The weather may have made everything seem slightly blue, but the mood I felt wasn't blue at all! I loved the smell of the cold damp earth, and the smell of fireplaces and the mixture of different foods being prepared as we made our way around the city! Ahhh... I was home. I was in my San Francisco, and all was well!

 Leaf Of The Day

October 27th, 2016

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Is Age Really Just A Number?

"I'm not young enough to everything."

~Oscar Wilde

Is age really just a number? HELL yes, and I feel like I am 114! Maybe it's just all the stress and packing. The unknown future. Maybe I am just quickly becoming an old coot! I don't know, but I do know, as Mary Engelbreit said, "Time flies whether your having fun or not." But I also know that, "this too shall pass." funny thing about that phrase... some think King Solomon said it, but it's not so, in fact that phrase is not to be found in any translation of the Bible. Others believe it comes from an Old English poem, while still others think it comes from Persian Sufi poets. LOL. Hey, at least I am not old enough to confirm any of those theories! LOL!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

More So Than Snot

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want... oh... you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so bad!"

~Mark Twain

More So Than Not!

I'm still sneezing... because it's more spring than winter now... and it will be officially soon. 

I'm still sneezing, like it's a hobby or something. 

I'm still sneezing, and making Chocolate Peanut Rice Krispies Treats. 

I'm still sneezing, and realizing sneezing and Rice Krispie Treats have nothing in common.

I'm still sneezing, and watching The Jinx on HBO. I think he did it.

I'm still sneezing and petting my cat Dylan.

I'm still sneezing, and realizing... cats don't like it when you sneeze on them.

I'm still sneezing, and wishing I wasn't.

But it's all good!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

 

 

Mumphf Lather Repeat... Mumphf

"I had a dream about you. I said green was blue and yellow, and you said green was yellow and blue. You were like that with everything I said, taking the exact opposite stance, 

yet completely agreeing with me. That's how I knew you love me."

~Jarod Kintz

The Titanic Would Never Have Sunk

 If It Were Made Out Of A Sink

I am having a love hate relationship with technology. I have been since my brand new camera went missing last October. I still can't imagine what happened, but maybe some technology mysteries simply aren't meant to be solved. Sigh. Anyway, as I count down the days until I upgrade my current phone, I am busy saving files, and pictures that I want to transfer to the new phone. I have been trying to decided if I want to keep certain songs, and PDF folders that seem very important right now, but probably won't in 6 months, as that is the usual amount of time I hold onto a file. Hmmmm. Mumphf.

It's going to be a weekend of scratching my head about what to do. 

Do I pay my phone off all at once?

Do I take that stupid Next plan of AT&T's?

Do I go with a brand new carrier?

It's down to the wire, and frankly, I would rather not think about it.

But at least when the sun comes up on Monday, and new phone will be on it's way to me. 

Why can't stuff be simple anymore?

"If I didn't care for fun and such

I'd probably amount to much

But I shall stay the way I am

Because I do not give a damn."

~Dorothy Parker

Enough Rope

Mood: Scattered

~Me :)

At The Museum: The DeYoung... Fruit Still Life, By Flora C. Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick

 "Fruit Still Life

By Flora C. Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick

DeYoung Museum

Golden Gate Park

San Francisco, California

May 5th, 2009

"Great art picks up where nature ends."

~Marc Chagall

As we head into the last couple weeks of summer, this photo reminded me of how much I enjoy a big bowl of summer fruits! That is one more of my favorite ways to transition the seasons, by arranging a bowl of the best of summer and autumn fruits and veggies, photographing it, and then making something really delicious and creative with it. That is how I invented my famous Pear and Havarti sandwich that I enjoy every Thanksgiving for lunch. Maybe it's time to see what yummy organic deliciousness is available this week!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Bristol Fleck Dahlia

 Bristol Fleck Dahlia

Golden Gate Park Dahlia Garden

San Francisco, Ca

August 18th, 2014

"What a desolate place would be a world without a flower!

It would be a face without a smile, a feast without a welcome.

Are not flowers the stars of the earth, and not stars the flowers of Heaven?"

~A.J. Balfour

Isn't that a beautiful dahlia? It is called Bristol Fleck. It is just one of the many varieties of the flower that has been planted in the Dahlia Garden (Dell) in Golden Gate Park, next to the Conservatory of Flowers! A project that was first planted back in the 1920's.

It's one of our favorite places in the park, and it's where we eat lunch at most often when we are in San Francisco! It's amazingly beautiful, and peaceful. Although, if you are lucky, you might be serenaded by the sound of bongo drums or a wandering musician playing his sax.

I love San Francisco, and Golden Gate Park.

:)

And the Dahlia Garden.

I think this year I will begin an in-depth catalog of the gorgeous dahlias in the garden!

Stay Tuned!

Mood: Quiet But Content

~Me :)

Art About Town... San Francisco: Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999

Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999
By Claes Oldenburg And Coosje van Bruggen

"There is no place for grief in a house which serves the Muse."

~Sappho

I LOVE this piece. Corridor Pin, Blue, 1999, By Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. It can be found on the grounds of the DeYoung Museum, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. I love it for it's whimsy. I love it for it's color, and size. It makes me happy inside when I look at it. A common, every day object, transformed into colorful art. The simple and every day is usually disregarded, and overlooked, but this piece reminds us to look for the beauty, even if we think it can't be found!

It's comforting.

When I am faced with a lack of inspiration regarding my photography, I try to remember that there is beauty and art right inside my house. My cats, are frequent subjects, but last year when I was ill for so long, I got out the camera and began to photograph objects on my desk. I was pleased with the results, and got a number of good reviews from those who saw the photos. It takes a whole other mind set to set up a shot, rather than letting nature, such as in a sunset, take it's course. 

Shrug.

I don't prefer one over another, I just like that I can fill up my mind with positive feelings when it comes to art. In my case, the house referred to in today's quote, refers to my mind and imagination, rather than an actual house. For me, art is what clears the cobwebs, and allows me to embrace the light of happiness.



Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Reflection Of A Waterlily

"Sometimes a girl just has to dive under the duvet and regroup."

~Jody Gehrman, Confessions Of A Triple Shot Betty

I think the cloud is beginning to pass. I hope so anyway. I am not pushing things, so today's photo is from the archives. September, 2005. Alan and I were visiting the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. We walked the whole place then finally visited the last room, that is kept extremely HOT and HUMID because all the wonderful tropical plants are at their happiest when it is HOT and Humid. The amazon waterlilies were thriving, and couldn't have been more lovely. I couldn't put the camera down! I was so pleased to be able to capture this pink one, with just the right angle and lighting, to bring it's reflection in focus so finely. It was a good day with the camera!

I am focusing on good memories as I work through the negativity.

Mood: Content

~Me :)

Stare, Pry, Listen, Eavesdrop

"Stare. It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long."

~Walker Evans

I love today's quote. I try... try mind you... to put all of my senses to work when I am taking photos. I want the full feeling to dictate how I approach a subject. Touch is usually the most difficult to use, because obviously, you can't always be in a position to touch the subject of the photograph! But when I can, I do.But when I can't I try to make some sort of contact with the subject. That usually means a smile or wave. Sometimes eye contact fills the moment just fine.

I took this photo way back in February. It is a bouquet that a lovely young lady was holding, while posing for what I think was her engagement photo. She and her man were at the Queen Wilhelmina garden in Golden Gate Park, and they were posed, on a blanket, sitting next to the emerging tulips and multicolored California poppies.

It was a very cold day, but with his arms around her, she was perfectly warm. He had a smile of a man who had found perfect happiness. All was right with the world on that cold, slightly drizzly day, for him it was bright and sunny outside, and just watching that much happiness, made me happy and warm inside as well. I felt warmer, just by witnessing their happiness. 

After the photo session was over for the couple, the young man helped his lady up, and they moved to another part of the park. I didn't want to disturb them when the photos were being done, so I didn't photograph them, but when the young lady placed her bouquet on the cement while she got up, I took a quick snap of the flowers. When I lowered the camera from my face, I saw the groom-to-be looking at me, patiently waiting for me to take my photograph of the bouquet, with the sweetest smile on his face. His expression seemed to say...

I know... right? :)

It was a good day to STARE, PRY, LISTEN, And EAVESDROP!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Ukalele Lessons

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything."

~Plato

While on my little art walk down Addison st last month, I looked up from the poetry panels and noticed this sign outside a music shop. The thought of learning the ukulele made me smile. I have always thought of maybe taking music lessons, but the piano was what I had in mind, I had never considered the ukulele. But somehow, as I was smiling that day, the idea of playing that particular instrument intrigued me! Sure. Why not?

I have officially added ukulele lessons to my bucket list!



Sing, it with me now...

Tip-Toe Thru The Tulips With Me

                                                 Tiptoe, through the window
                                           By the window, that is where I'll be
                                        Come tiptoe through the tulips with me

Ladies And Gentlemen... Tiny Tim (Rowan And Martin's Laugh-In)




I can see myself holding impromptu ukulele concerts. You'd come... right? 

Mood: Silly

~Me :)

On A Late Winter's Day

"A garden to walk in an immensity to dream in... what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above the stars."

~Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

It was so beautiful yesterday in Golden Gate Park, but words aren't really needed to convey that are they? The poppies are gorgeous, but in about another week or so, the tulips will be fully open! I can't wait... there is more to come!

Stay Tuned!

Mood: Happy

Me :)

The Colors Of Golden Gate Park

"I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it."

~Alice Walker, The Color Purple

California Poppy


Isn't that color amazing? I found the pretty little purple flowers growing at the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, in Golden Gate Park. I am not sure what they are, pansies I think, but I can't be certain. Anyway, they were so lovely I couldn't pass up the chance to capture their image when I was there the other day. Beautiful.

Spring is beginning to blossom all over the park. I could see that among the gorgeous California poppies, there were tulips here and there. In a month or so, the place will be all tulips! That's why spring is my favorite time in this park, everything is so alive with color! It always lifts my mood and makes me smile. 

There is a lot of beautiful color to come... stay tuned!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

I Saw The Light In Your Eyes

"I am intrigued by the smile upon your face, and the sadness within your eyes."

~Jeremy Aldana

I came across this pair of broken glasses, while walking through Golden Gate Park last week. They intrigued me. It was a sad thought that someone had lost their glasses and their ability to see. No seeing the beauty in the park that day, or the amazing waves that are just off the park at Ocean Beach. No seeing the sunsets the Bay Area has been graced with.  I would hate to lose my ability to see, especially if I missed the light in someone else's eyes. I once knew someone who had so much light in their eyes that they nearly blinded me. All I wanted to do was look at that incredible light, even if it did scare the life out of me. Funny how things are sometimes. 

As sad as I feel sometimes, because I haven't seen that light for many years, I am so much better off for having got to see it in my lifetime. I think that is why when I meet someone new, it's always their eyes I notice first. The eyes tell a lot about a person, they share everything sometimes. Sometimes they share too much, but either way, the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul. I believe it completely. 

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."

~Albert Einstein

Mood: Quiet

~Me :) 

By the way, it seems that scientists have indeed proven that the eyes really are the windows to the soul.

Daily Mail Online

Scientists Discover That Eyes Really Are 'The Window To The Soul'

July 2013 Butterfly Gallery

Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)

"I almost wish we were butterflies and liv'd but three summer days... three such days with you I could fill with more delight than fifty common years could ever contain."

~John Keats, Bright Star: Love Letters And Poems Of John Keats To Fanny Brawne

We visited the butterfly exhibit at the Conservatory Of Flowers on Wednesday, and I can't imagine a more perfect way to spend a summer day! There were a lot more butterflies flying about, then on our last visit, and a lot of new types that I haven't photographed before! The Conservatory has completely redesigned the exhibit, adding some new touches this year, such as a better variety of things with wings, and the addition of new age music to enjoy them by! It is a lovely place to stop and relax!

July's Butterfly Gallery...


Great Southern White (Ascia monuste)




Monarch (Danaus plexippus)




Monarch (Danaus plexippus) And Buckeye (Junonia coenia)


Julia (Dryas iulia)


Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)


Morning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)




Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon Lucas)

The Conservatory Of Flowers, in Golden Gate Park, is such a gorgeous place any time of year, but during the summer and autumn, it just comes alive with beauty! There is nothing quite like it!

Mood: Happy

~Me :)

Round Robin Challenge: Before And After

"Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn't go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick."

~Henri Cartier-Bresson

RRC: Before and After

See that cutie above? That's my Dylan. You might say... we picked each other out. LOL. The day we met, he was sad, having just been left behind when his mother was hit by a car, and I was sad to, having just lost my cat Elvis just a few weeks earlier. I think we connected through our shared grief. Elvis was the last kitten in his mother's litter, so when she died he needed to know he wasn't alone, he needed a mother, and I needed a little boy who needed me. It's love. We are family.

But Before Dylan... Came Hendrix...


He is my boy to, but he and Alan bonded first. Alan is his person. But when he needs a mommy, he comes to me. LOL. They are my two boys! :)

Now, here are the rest of my Before And After subjects...

A Beautiful Butterfly


Potatoes Ready For Planting And The Leaves A Few Weeks Later


Fireworks From 2005...


Dahlias From The Golden Gate Park Dahlia Garden 2012


Okay, that's my contribution for this round. Be sure to go see what everyone else has posted for this challenge! We have some wonderful photographers who participate in the Round Robin Challenges! Just click the link at the top of this post to be redirected to the official Round Robin blog, where you can find the list of participants, and all the information you need to play along!

~Me :)